Hi, I'm a first timer in the middle of a '59 El Camino frame-off. I've ran into an issue with getting the body mounted properly. I should mention that I cut out the entire floor pan (but left the factory ribs intact) and had a full piece replacement floor professionally installed. I've installed an Energy Suspension body mount kit (3.4166G) but in order to keep the floor pan from resting on the center of the X-frame I've got to create about a 1.125" gap at the front clip mounts. I'm trying to figure out if I should just come up with a set of front clip mounts that will work there or if there is something else totally off. I did notice a raised "dimple" in the center of the X-frame and always wondered if it was factory or if it was from some sort of straightening that was done. I attached a pic with a red circle around the dimple. Been wondering if this has anything to do with my problem here. Any help would really be appreciated. Also, what kind of clearance should there be between the bottom of the floor plan and the frame? Thanks in advance!
fifty9 Dude your frame looks different than mine. Alot! And the dimple on top doesnt look symetrical, is it? Its hard to tell from the picture. Im pretty sure the dimple shouldnt be there. Its possible some one modified it to clear the carrier bearing, or the bearing came apart and caused it. My tunnel is blown out on both sides from a carrier bearing failure. Its a wonder the frame stayed together. On my frame the tunnel section where the X comes together is in line not sitting on top like yours. And my tunnel section is kind of oval shaped not suqare like yours. It looks like you frame is freshly stripped or is it silver in color. Again its hard to tell from the picture. Did you send the frame out? If so, did you get the same one back? Ill take a picture of mine an post in a few days. Cheers
Hey 59 Elky, Thanks for the response. You're totally right about the carrier bearing. It was shredded. Pic attached. I didn't even think about the dimple being caused by that. The metal is really thick there. So you're saying that you're frame doesn't have that hat-channel on top like mine? The center of the X is in the same plane as the rest of the frame? Yeah, if you got pics of your frame that would be awesome. Thanks man.
Every time I use an energy suspension kit I have to shim them. It depends on where you shim as to how much. The first time I ran into that problem I just kept throwing shims and would up needing 1-1/2" at the core support. NOT GOOD ! Some fresh eyes the next day 1 saw that 3/8 in the rear where I previous had none brought everything in line. For shims I hit the local steel house and ask to go thru the burning table. Looking for drops out of the holes they burn. There's always more than I can carry. Be sure your bushings are installed correctly as kits have different components for different locations. Check frame for being bent or new floor being too low or sagged
@31Vicky with a hemi, Thanks a bunch for the tip. That makes sense. I'm gonna start shimming with the rear mounts and see how that effects the gap at the front clip. Never dealt with this before so sorry for the stupid question. When I go about shimming seems like I ought to start from something I know is level. Tires could differ from wear/air, suspension could vary a bit. Should I put the frame on jack stands and get it level then start shimming the body? Thanks again.
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